Every actor who played the Joker in live action

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Joker: Folie à Deux!With a new live-action Batman set to debut in the DCU The brave and the boldThere may be a new star to join the ranks of actors who have portrayed The Joker. As one of the most iconic Batman villains of all time, there have been multiple actors who have portrayed the Joker in numerous live-action films and television adaptations. The Clown Prince of Crime remains a DC fan favorite, considered among the greatest comic book characters of all time. Naturally, he has been reinterpreted by various actors throughout his long history, dating all the way back to 1940.

Each Joker actor has brought something new to the role, and the next one will join a storied legacy. Many actors embraced the character’s humorous tendencies, while others made him a nightmarish character. in various Batman In movies and shows, some actors have enjoyed more grounded and realistic takes on the Joker, while others have gone gloriously over the top. Whether the Joker will appear in The brave and the bold It remains to be seen, but with a rich history to draw from, it’s no mystery why The Joker is such a coveted role.

The Joker’s cinematic history explained

The Joker is notable for his ever-changing origin storyBut most agree that he started out as a petty criminal who was knocked into a vat of chemicals by Batman, leading to his colorful appearance and often-manic demeanor. Each live-action adaptation of the villain has its own story, although almost all versions are dark, with inspiration from the fact that the Joker is Batman’s arch-nemesis in DC Comics. However, over time, the pair struck up a kind of symbiotic relationship, each needing the other in some way, although this was not always the case in real life.

total, There have been ten live-action adaptations of the JokerAlthough actually quite eleven, like Cameron Monaghan’s Joker in Gotham is technically two different versions. Each version of​​​​​​The Joker is very different from the last, and some like Heath Ledger’s interpretation The Dark Knight were positively received, others, including Jared Leto’s iteration of Suicide Squadare critically panned. Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix even won Oscars for their portrayal of the character.

at the end of Joker: Folie à Deux, A new Clown Prince of Crime is hinted at, showing the ever-changing nature of a character like the Joker. Similarly, although he did not portray the character in live-action, Mark Hamill deserves an honorable mention for voicing the Joker across a range of media since 1992, influencing many live-action renditions. Here are all the live-action versions of the Joker, and the actors who portrayed him.

Cesar Romero played the Joker in Batman 1966

Cesar Romero brought the Joker to life for the first time in 1966s Batman TV series and film opposite Adam West as the Caped Crusader. Batman Serials were produced throughout the 1940s, but the Joker wouldn’t face his arch-nemesis until this campy cult-classic series. Romero’s Joker favors elaborate pranks and hoaxes over murder, Although he’s not averse to the odd electrocution or two (administered by Joy Buzzer). Romero’s Joker is intimidating, but in keeping with the tone of the 1960s Batman projects, he never spilled blood or carried out violence except for the occasional one BAM Or POW Off-screen punch.

Romero famously refused to shave his mustache for the role – the dark hair is still visible under the Joker’s iconic white makeup. In addition to being an amusing piece of trivia, Romero’s laid-back approach stands in stark contrast to the intense process that later defines the role. Romero’s Joker was a product of the tongue-in-cheek confines of the ’60s TV show and the time’s limits on how dark a character could really be on traditional television. Romero played the Joker over three seasons and a spin-off film, Batman: The Movie, in 1966.

Jack Nicholson played the Joker in Batman ’89

As the second live-action version of The Joker, Jack Nicholson played the villain in Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film, marking a change in public perception around the character. The Joker killed innocent people – a far cry from Romero’s antics in the ’60s. With the release of batman, The Joker is suddenly “worthy” and “challenging” in the eyes of critics as a result of Nicholson’s casting. He was even nominated for a Golden Globe after the film’s success. Nicholson is able to portray anarchic madmen perfectly, and he works opposite Michael Keaton’s stoic Batman with devilish glee.

For years, Nicholson’s Joker was the version with which all actors had to compete, and some still want to see Jack Nicholson return as the Joker in the DCU, although it is not likely that he will. Despite meeting a cruel end in BatmanNicholson’s Joker was set to return in batman unchained, A proposed fifth film in the Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher series, as a hallucination caused by the Scarecrow. Unfortunately, after 1997s Batman and Robin Bombed, the studio decided to go in a different direction, canceling Batman Unchained And, with it, no possibility that Nicholson would ever return to the role.

Roger Stoneburner played the Joker in the Birds of Prey TV series (2002-2003)

Despite only appearing as a cameo during 2002’s pilot episode Birds of preyRoger Stoneburner’s Joker played a huge role in the series. The Joker was revealed to have shot Dina Meyer’s Barbara Gordon, leaving her paralyzed, which would be an important storyline for the series as she battled with her identity as Batgirl. For the series, although Stoneburner portrayed the Joker on screen, The villain is actually voiced by none other than Mark HamillMarking his first official live-action “appearance” as the villain he’s been voicing for a decade.

Heath Ledger played the Joker in The Dark Knight

Heath Ledger’s Joker is perhaps the most memorable, as he was first brought to modern audiences in Christopher Nolan’s. The Dark KnightReleased in 2008. Ledger’s remarkable and captivating performance as the iconic villain saw him receive numerous posthumous awards. This was another important development as far as the Joker’s on-screen legacy was concerned, and Heath Ledger significantly raised the bar for all subsequent pictures. This version of The Joker inhabited Nolan’s darker, grittier and more violent world of The Dark Knight trilogy, and Ledger’s Joker represented one of America’s biggest fears: terrorism.

Unfortunately, Heath Ledger died earlier The Dark Knight’s Release. After his death, reports began to circulate that his experience playing the Joker was partly to blame. The media painted his method acting as responsible, citing his self-imposed isolation period and in-character journals as “evidence” of some sort of breakdown. Although others involved in The Dark Knights production said Ledger was very proud of his work on the film and enjoyed the experience, the weight of his death and subsequent media frenzy continued to loom large in the public consciousness.

Jared Leto played the Joker in Suicide Squad and Zack Snyder’s Justice League

Initially, Jared Leto was an exciting choice for the DCEU’s first Joker, debuting in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad. however, Jared Leto’s version of The Joker is certainly the most controversial. 2016s Suicide Squad was not as well received as DC had hoped, leading to Leto’s Joker having much less presence in the DCEU than originally planned. What’s more, given his reputation as an intense method actor, often told to stay in character during every shoot, Leto’s casting exacerbated the idea that playing the Joker could cause psychological harm.

Leto’s version of The Joker is something of a departure from previous pictures, more of an offensive pimp stereotype than a clown, complete with tattoos, grills and a cane. There is also a sexualized element in the way Leto interpreted the Joker, which confused many fans since Joker was never an overtly sensual character. While some critics applauded Leto’s performance, which highlighted the toxicity of his relationship with Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, most were more critical.

Cameron Monaghan played the Joker in Gotham

Cameron Monaghan’s Joker from Fox’s Gotham is technically two lettersTwin brothers Jerome and Jeremiah. Initially set to tell the story of Jim Gordon’s early days in the Gotham City Police Department, Gotham later incorporated the misadventures of a young Bruce Wayne, running for five seasons between 2014 and 2019. While the writers of Gotham They wanted to incorporate the Joker, realizing that his origin was dependent on Batman and, therefore, wouldn’t work in the prequel timeline. Instead, they decided to use various elements of the Joker’s personality, with twin brothers Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska acting as proto-Jokers.

Monaghan was largely well-received in both roles, becoming a fan-favorite addition to the series—even if his status as an “official” Joker actor is dubious because Gotham ends Audiences were left to wonder whether Monaghan’s remaining twin would become the Joker or inspire another character to take up the mantle. These unanswered questions fit perfectly into the portrayal of the character in other forms of media.

Joaquin Phoenix played the Joker in Joker and Joker: Folie a Deux

Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker is the only live-action iteration of the character to star in his own films, first debuting in 2019. Jokerand will return to theaters in 2024 Joker: Folie à Deux. Todd Phillips Joker Provided an R-rated, stand-alone project introducing a new version of ​​The Joker to audiences, more resembling a psychological thriller than a traditional comic book movie. Despite its darker and more grounded tones, Joker Was a critical and financial success, Shane The first R-rated film to gross over a billion dollars and landing Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor.

While many enjoyed Phillips’ bleak re-imagining of the Joker’s origin story, others found it to be overwhelmingly singular – although Phoenix’s portrayal was generally praised across the board, with most of the film’s issues stemming from its intensely nihilistic tone and underdevelopment Support letters. While intended to be a standalone film, Joker’s Success led to Joker: Folie à Dukeswhat Also features Lady Gaga in the role of Harley Quinn. Phoenix’s name is also confirmed to stand on its own as part of DC’s Elseworlds storylines, disconnected from The brave and the bold And whatever joker may appear there.

Phoenix’s take on the Joker was fully realized with the release of Joker: Folie à Dukes. The sequel sees Arthur Fleck in Arkham Asylum after the events of the first film. He is awaiting trial for the murders he committed. At the end of the film, Arthur Fleck says that Joker is just a persona he created for himself while confessing to all his crimes. This leads to the end of the movie where another inmate stabs Arthur to death, possibly carrying on the legacy in the world.

Connor Storrie plays a new Joker in Joker: Folie a Deux

One of the main narrative themes of Joker And Joker: Folie à Deux Is how Arthur rose as a kind of hero of the people. He inspires people through his actions, even if he essentially disavows them when he confesses to his crimes in court. At the end of the film, Arthur Fleck is told that he has a visitor, but it seems to be a trap as Connor Storrie’s character approaches him in the hallway and stabs him to death.

As Arthur is lying on the ground bleeding to death, the inmate is heard laughing and, although out of camera focus, He puts a smile on his faceDrawing parallels between him and Heath Ledger’s version of the character. With no plans for another movie in this universe, the new “Joker” character will probably never be explored, but it’s interesting that the Joker Films deal with the idea that Arthur Fleck only inspired the eventual Joker, rather than being the true self.

Nathan Dashwood played the Joker in Batwoman

Nathan Dashwood portrayed the Joker in flashback sequences during the CW’s run BatwomanRevealed to have hijacked a bus with a young marquis jet. Nick Creegan plays Marquis, the half-brother of Ryan Wilder, aka Batwoman. Marki eventually stepped up to follow in the Joker’s footsteps, portraying a copy-cat style villain to his half-sister. Even so, Dashwood portrayed the real Joker in BatwomanAlthough Not much is known about this iteration of the characterAs he only briefly appeared in two episodes and did not have a significant role in the series.

Barry Keoghan played the Joker in The Batman

Despite only appearing for a brief moment at the end of Matt Reeves’ The BatmanBarry Keoghan’s Joker made an impact on audiences. While The Batman Introducing viewers to new takes on The Riddler, The Penguin and Carmine Falcone, there’s also room for a brand new Joker. Keoghan appeared behind an Arkham State Hospital cell door, luring the Riddler into a partnership. Keoghan’s role was kept secret until release, and while his new Joker in The Batman was unnamed, the distinctive laugh and hints of a heavily scarred face offered major hints of who he really was.

Initially, the Joker’s scars in The Batman It was thought that this version would draw from these New 52 Villains, especially those Batman: Death of the Family Version of the Joker, who removed his face and wore it as a mask to prove a point. However, this Joker’s deformity is actually due to a congenital disease. This version of ​​the villain will remain separate from the DCU, which means that there could be two cinematic Jokers at once with Keoghan, and The brave and the bold version, although it is not confirmed whether Keoghan will return in The Batman: Part II.

Other notable Joker actors

Although there are many actors who have played the Joker in live-action media, even more have taken on the role of the Clown Prince of Crime as voice actors for animated movies, TV series and video games, and they also deserve a mention.

The most iconic voice of the Joker is undoubtedly Mark Hamill, who brought a new idea to the role that would define the approach of those who came after him. Hamill called in the Joker Batman: The Animated Series, The Arkham video games, league justice, And Batman: The Killing Joke Among countless other appearances, mixing menace and fun in a perfect balance for the character.

Alan Tudyk plays the Joker in the acclaimed Harley Quinn Animated series, a hilarious and pathetic take on the villain. Troy Baker, who also voiced Joel The last of us Play, the joker voices in Batman Unlimited: Monster MayhemZach Galifianakis took the role for The LEGO Batman MovieJohn DiMaggio told The Joker Batman: Under the Red HoodAnd Kevin Michael Richardson took the character in The Batman Vs. Dracula.

The extensive list of voice actors behind the Joker only scratches the surface, and with DC extending to podcasts through Batman: Not buried And Batman: The Audio AdventuresThis list is only set to grow. The latest voice behind Batman is Hamish Linklater, who plays the character in Batman: Caped Crusader.

The Joker’s live-action future explained

Will The Joker Be In Batman: The Brave And The Bold Movie?

The Joker has a long cinematic history, but more appearances may be on the horizon. No details have really emerged about the villains for The Batman – Part IIBut Matt Reeves may be inclined to use the character at some other point in this universe. Joker: Folie à Deux too Introduces the idea that Connor Storrie could continue the legacy of the Joker. With the movie bombing at the box-office and being a critical failure, however, this avenue is unlikely to be explored, especially as the DCU and Matt Reeves’ Batman universe continue to be built.

The announcement of The brave and the bold confirms the eventual debut of a new Batman in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, and when Batman hits the big screen, it’s a safe bet that the Joker will follow. Not much is yet known about The brave and the boldOther than that there will be a father-son story between Bruce Wayne and Damian Wayne, who will assume the moniker of Robin. Damian has had some memorable moments with the Joker in DC Comics, so it’s possible that this could be the perfect place to introduce the DCU version of The Joker.

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